A major security alert has been declared in north Belfast after an explosion at a house in the Stanhope Street area.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said officers were called to the scene in the early hours of Friday, October 16, following reports of an explosion.

Cordons have been put in place and a number of local residents have been evacuated from the area while emergency services assess the scene.

No injuries have been reported.

The circumstances surrounding the explosion have not yet been established, although reports have described the incident as involving a suspected pipe bomb.

Sinn Féin councillor JJ Magee condemned the incident as a “reckless and dangerous attack” and said the local community was in shock.

He said emergency services would be carrying out an operation in the area and urged anyone with information to pass it to police.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are at the scene of a security alert in the Stanhope Street area of north Belfast following an explosion at a house in the early hours of Friday, 16th October.

“Cordons are in place and a number of local residents are being evacuated.

“Members of the public, including motorists, are asked to avoid the area at this time.”

Police said a further update would be provided as the investigation develops.